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All-Asian Satellite Television and Radio Operator, doing business as Astro (stylized in lowercase title), is a Malaysian pay satellite television, streaming television and IPTV provider. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Astro Malaysia Holdings Berhad and is operated by the communication satellite operator MEASAT Broadcast Network Systems Sdn. Bhd. It operates from the All Asia Broadcast Centre (AABC) in Kuala Lumpur and the MEASAT in Cyberjaya.

Key Information

It forms part of the mass media duopoly in the country alongside the Media Prima.[2] Astro launched the high-definition platform Astro B.yond in 2009[3] and the IPTV platform Astro IPTV in 2011, with the latter targeted at consumers who were unable to receive the company's satellite services.[4] The ultra high-definition (UHD) platform Astro Ultra was launched at the end of 2019 while the full high-definition (FHD) platform (replacement of Astro B.yond) called Astro Ulti was introduced in the mid of 2021. Astro operated in Indonesia from 2006 to 2008, under the Astro Nusantara and also in Brunei from 2000 to 2022, under the Kristal-Astro brand. Indonesian operations were led by the PT Direct Vision,[5] while Bruneian were led by Kristal Sdn. Bhd. In 2016, the company was recorded as achieving 71% household penetration in Malaysia.[6][7]

History

[edit]

Formation and early years

[edit]

The licence to operate Astro, then unnamed, was given in June 1994 and was planned to have 20 channels through the Measat satellite.[8][9] It was originally planned to launch in 1995,[10][11] but postponed to 1996 with the launching initially took place in October and would be known as the All-Asia Satellite Television and Radio Operator, abbreviated as ASTRO and to be operated under its operating company, Measat Broadcasting Networks Systems.[12] The upcoming satellite TV provider will offer 22 television channels and 8 radio stations in its platform.[13][14]

Ahead of its launch, Astro's operator, Measat Broadcast Networks Systems expected that its satellite TV and radio services will gain profit within two-and-a-half to three years with a total of 700,000 subscriber base.[15][16]

Astro was launched on 25 September 1996, three months after its establishment.[17][18] Upon its launch, the company planned to offer the internet speed facility to its customers by early 1997.[19]

Astro signed an agreement with Maybank which allows its subscribers to settle their monthly fees via the autophone and autodebit services as well as via automatic bill settlement facility provided by the bank through Visa and Mastercard.[20]

Astro planned to open four out of seven showrooms nationwide by the first quarter of 1997.[21] The company also planned to reach the target of 400 installations as early as January 1997.[22] Astro also submitted its proposal to began broadcasting overseas.[23] Two months later, the company entered a joint-venture with film production companies to produce program varieties.[24]

On 1 April 1997, Astro appointed MOCCIS Trading, a trading arm of MOCCIS Berhad, to market and promote its service to its members via a monthly payment scheme.[25]

Astro planned to establish its own private telecommunications network as part of its preparation to launch a range of multimedia interactive services as well as to increase its business reach.[26] The company also spent RM25 million to enhance its services for domestic and global market.[27]

Astro became the first client of the Canadian telecommunication equipment company, Nortel's Global Account programme for the ASEAN region.[28] In July 1997, the company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Faber Group Berhad in which Astro will provide its satellite television services to seven of Faber-owned Sheraton hotels.[29][30]

From 27 September to 16 November 1997, Astro offers installation fees for its Direct-to-U system installation.[31][32] It also targets at least 20,000 hotels for its pay-television operations by the year-end.[33][34]

In December 1997, Astro partnered with Oracle Corporation in which the latter would help developing its web-based corporate database for its business strategy.[35] It also allocates RM100 million to provide a Direct-to-U price subsidy to its customers.[36]

In 1998, Astro plans to expand its operations in the Philippines and Taiwan with RM200 million of allocation. The plan was later abandoned for unknown reasons.[37]

Expansion of operations

[edit]

Between 2000 and 2006, Astro shared time with TV Pendidikan, Malaysian public educational TV channel, where it shared time with Animal Planet on Channel 28 from 2000 to 2001 and with now-defunct TechTV on Channel 13 from 2002 to 2006.[38][39] The move received much criticism from many parties, demanding that the network should remain aired on public broadcaster, RTM rather than Astro at least until 2002.[40][41][42] However, Astro decided to not aired TV Pendidikan upon the expiration of its 6-year agreement with the channel's operator, the Ministry of Education, resulting TV Pendidikan moved to TV9, owned by media conglomerate Media Prima in 2007.

In 2000, Astro's residential subscriber base have exceeded about 300,000 households in just three years after its official launch.[43] Astro also targets a total of a million subscribers nationwide in the next two years.[44] The company enters a joint-venture with Kristal Sdn. Bhd. from Brunei to launch Kristal-Astro on 24 January 2000.[45][46][47] The service, however, ceased operations 22 years later, in 2022.[48][49]

The company had invested over RM1 billion to build a digital broadcasting facility and developed a multimedia services.[50] Astro also spent at least RM350 to subsidized its Digital Multimedia System (DMS) in order to make its service is "affordable for more Malaysian families".[51] The company also planned to expand its services across Asian region.[52]

By June 2001, Astro's subscription total has increased to 600,000.[53]

In April 2002, Astro signed an agreement with Scripps Networks Interactive for the distribution of six TV series from HGTV in Malaysia and Brunei.[54][55]

By September the same year, Astro reduced 10% of its staffs under the voluntary separation scheme (VSS).[56]

The company set up a joint-venture company with Indonesian conglomerate, Lippo Group to provide pay-TV service in Indonesia as early as July 2005.[57] As a result, Astro's satellite TV service in Indonesia, known as Astro Nusantara was launched in March 2006.[58] It also invested RM500 million to support its operations in the republic.[59] However, Astro Nusantara only operated for two years and ceased operations when Astro ended their joint-venture with PT Direct Vision in September 2008.[60]

On 1 October 2007, Astro renumbered all of its channel numbers from 2-digits to 3-digits to accommodate its expanding number of channels.[61]

In 2007, Astro dominates 29% of television viewership market in Malaysia, after Media Prima (54%) and Radio Televisyen Malaysia (17%).[62]

In December 2009, Astro launched its high-definition service, known as Astro B.yond with a new decoder set and channels in HD feeds.[63]

Astro partnered with TIME dotCom Berhad in December 2010 to implementated the broadband and IPTV service in Klang Valley and Penang.[64][65]

In 2013, Astro signed an agreement with Telekom Malaysia's wholly owned subsidiary, TM Net Sdn. Bhd. to broadcast two Astro SuperSport channels on the latter's pay-TV service, HyppTV (later known as Unifi TV).[66][67]

Recent developments

[edit]
Astro's logo from 2012 until 2024. This is the second revision of 2003 logo.

On 1 December 2014, Astro signed a joint-venture with South Korean retail company, GS Retail Co. Ltd. to launch a home shopping channel, Go Shop.[68][69] However, the joint-venture only survived for 9 years and following the changing in consumer's shopping landscape, Go Shop ceased operations on 12 October 2023 as part of the company's "ongoing strategic realignment underway".[70][71][72]

In March 2016, Astro launched its regional video platform, Tribe, which targets to Indonesian market.[73][74][75][76]

In 2017, Astro enters a strategic partnership with CJ E&M from South Korea to create and produced contents and events for ASEAN market.[77] The company also enters a long-term partnership with print publishing company, Karangkraf to form a joint-venture company focused on content production, Karangkraf Digital 360, which was later renamed as Nu Ideaktiv.[78]

Astro alongside Media Prima and DiGi Telecommunications collaborated to launch a digital learning hub, known as JomStudi in January 2019. The initiative, which supported by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), provides educational resources in a single platform which accessible to students.[79][80][81]

The company enters a partnership with Chinese streaming platform, IQIYI in 2019, in which Astro acquired an exclusive rights to distributed the IQIYI's content in Malaysia. Astro also responsible for the latter's customer acquisition, marketing and media sales.[82][83]

On 1 April 2020, Astro rearranged its channel numbers in order to prioritize its 100 HD channels on its platform.[84][85]

In 2021, Astro partnered with Netflix to expand its content offering in which the latter's service will be made available on Astro's platform.[86][87][88]

In May 2024, Astro and state-owned public service broadcaster, Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) have partnered to envisioned an initiative in support to Palestine by launching Malaysia4Palestine, a special channel dedicated to highlighting the humanitarian crisis in Palestine in the wake of the ongoing Gaza war. The channel began one-day broadcasting on 25 May 2024. Among artistes who involved in the project were Siti Nurhaliza, M. Nasir, Syafinaz Selamat, Alif Satar, Soo Wincci, Sarimah Ibrahim, Aznil Nawawi and Wani Kayrie.[89]

On 17 October, Astro revamp its sports content lineup which will feature new names and channel numbers. The change will saw Astro SuperSport channels which will be replaced with Astro-branded sports channels, such as Astro Premier League (primally aired Premier League matches), Astro Football (which aired other football leagues and tournaments), Astro Badminton (primally aired all of the BWF tournaments) and Astro Sports Plus (which aired other sporting events, such as the NBA basketball, UFC/One Championship fights, NASCAR races, among others).[90][91]

Astro announced on 18 November that both Astro Warna and Astro Premier would be discontinued as a linear TV channel and merged both channels with Astro Prima and Astro Citra respectively, to match the Astro's new corporate branding. The merger between Citra and Premier took effect two days later, on 20 November, while the merger of Prima and Warna took effect on 3 December. Under this plan, Astro Warna and Astro Premier will exclusively operated as a content hub on Astro on Demand and Astro GO.[92] However, Astro Warna's permanent shutdown received negative feedback from netizens which supported its closure, citing that "there is no any improvements for programmes aired" a part of programmes that aired repeatedly on the channel.[93]

On 2 December, Astro begin leasing a ABS-CBN Corporation-owned property, ABS-CBN Soundstage at the Horizon IT Park, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, Philippines, to increase its global footprint.[94] At the same time, it introduced Astro One, an entertainment package which includes three new packages: Entertainment, Sports, and Epic, which "is built with a customer-first approach".[95][96]

Services and products

[edit]

Astro B.yond

[edit]
Main article: Astro B.yond

Astro launched its own high-definition platform called Astro B.yond on 11 December 2009.[97][98] Its rollout costed RM200 million, including marketing and operating costs of approximately RM150 million. It introduced a PVR with an external hard disk drive connected to the decoder. The PVR comes with an inbuilt 500 GB hard disk and allows customers to record up to two live programmes at one time, rewind, and pause live TV. Recording services are also available through Astro B.yond via a compatible external hard disk drive and activation of the recording service by Astro.[99][100]

Astro Go

[edit]

The streaming service of Astro was launched in 2012 called Astro On-The-Go (AOTG).[101] The launch of the app enabled customers to access to Astro's TV channels, live events, Video-On-Demand (VOD) and Catch Up TV on mobile devices. The app was also made for international users in March 2013.[102]

The app was renamed to Astro Go on 31 March 2017[103][104] and saw a significant revamp that introduced several new features, such as a more user-friendly interface, improved video playback quality, and better content discovery tools. Astro Go offers personalized content recommendations based on viewing history and preferences and allows customers to download shows for offline viewing.[105][106][107]

Astro Fibre

[edit]

Astro embarked on its broadband service in 2011 by collaborating with TIME dotCom to serve content over broadband through its Astro B.yond IPTV service.[108] To further its place in the ISP space, Astro entered a partnership with sister company Maxis in 2019, resulting in the introduction of Astro & Broadband. In 2022, Astro became an Internet Service Provider and began offering standalone broadband through Astro Fibre, which is also offered to businesses through its BIZfibre services.[109][110]

Astro NJOI

[edit]
Main article: Astro NJOI

Astro NJOI is a Malaysia's first free-to-view satellite TV service by Astro. Launched in collaboration with the Government of Malaysia on 18 February 2012, it debuted with 18 channels and 19 radio stations.[111][112] Currently, NJOI offers more than 50 channels in Full HD, most of the channels are available through newly revamped Family Pack.[113]

Connected boxes

[edit]

In November 2019, Astro launched the Ultra Box,[114] its first self-installable set-top box which can be used with satellite or broadband/Wi-Fi. The main features are its better viewing experience with 4K UHD and access to cloud-based video recording as well as video-on-demand content.[115]

Expanding its set-top box offerings, Astro introduced the Ulti Box[116] in 2021 which showcases similar features to the Ultra Box. The key difference is that the Ulti Box only provides HD resolutions rather than a 4K UHD experience.[117]

Criticism and controversies

[edit]

Monopoly over paid television market

[edit]

Astro has been criticised for its monopolistic practices in which it has become the dominant paid television service in Malaysia[118] while its competitors ABNXcess, Mega TV, and MiTV were not able to compete against Astro and became defunct after its launch.[119][120] Astro was the sole paid television operator in Malaysia until 2017 when another competitor, Telekom Malaysia's Unifi TV, emerged as a strong cord-cutting alternative.[121]

The Malaysian government's plan to regulate Android-based set-top boxes in 2019 raised concerns that Astro's dominance over the country's television content market would be enhanced.[122] While Astro's exclusive rights to Malaysian broadcast content expired in 2017, the company continues to have non-exclusive broadcast privileges under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. Starting in 2022, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission will provide Content Applications Service Provider (CASP) licenses to 35 broadcasting companies, four of which are approved to deliver content via satellite television.[123]

Sports content dispute

[edit]

Astro has also enjoyed control of the broadcasting rights for sports events, including all Liga Super and Piala Malaysia events, and the FIFA World Cup 2014[124] and 2018. Competitors were restricted from airing those events,[125][126] or were required by regulators to pay excessive royalties to Astro.[124] The high royalty fees were criticised by Jeremy Kung, executive vice president of TM New Media, who argued that sports content on free-to-air television channels should be made available to public for free.[124] Former Information, Communications, Arts and Culture minister Rais Yatim urged the media groups who had exclusive rights to major sports events to share their content to free-to-air television channels.[126] Pakatan Harapan youth chief Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad argued that the rights to broadcast English Premier League should be co-licensed with Radio Television Malaysia instead of being restricted to Astro.[127]

Astro's short-lived Indonesian operations were also subject of investigation by Indonesian regulators, and accusations by rival providers, over allegations of the company also monopolizing Premier League rights in the country.[128]

Overcharging

[edit]

Astro has been criticised for raising its service prices and imposing penalty fees on customers.[129] In 2007, Astro raised its service fee about 15% and converted previously free channels like Bloomberg, Al Jazeera English, and CGTN into paid channels. Anyone who attempted to drop such service packages was charged a fee.[130] Malaysiakini reporter Cheah Kah Seng encouraged customers to protest against the price hikes and provided instructions on how to do so.[131] Due to broadcasting rights it has received from the Malaysian government, Astro raised its fees several more times in the following years, while consumers had fewer competitive alternatives.[132]

Astro often shows commercials on premium channels for which consumers paid for an ad-free experience.[133] Customers who use the Astro personal video recorder (PVR), Astro MAX, have reported performance problems[130] and difficulty in recording certain channels.[134]

Advertising on pay television channels

[edit]

Paid channels carried on Astro usually carries traditional commercial advertising that will be shown on commercial break, despite customers had paid for the paid television channels.[133]

Awards and accolades

[edit]
Year Award-giving body Category Recipient Result Ref.
2009 CASBAA Award 2009 Chairman's Award Astro Won [135]
2019 MIRA Awards 2019 Best Company for Investor Relations Won [136]
2023 Putra Brand Awards 2022 Media Network Award Platinum [137]
Communications Network Award Platinum
e-Commerce Award Platinum
2024 Putra Brand Awards 2023 Media Network Award Platinum [138]

See also

[edit]

Other pay-TV service provider:

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Astro (company)

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia

is a Malaysian media and founded in 1996, operating as a provider of , radio, over-the-top (OTT) streaming, , and digital content services.
The company serves approximately 5.3 million households, encompassing 65% of Malaysian television households, alongside 9,100 businesses, 17.1 million weekly audio listeners, and 13.5 million monthly digital visitors.
Through subsidiaries, Astro engages in content creation, aggregation, distribution, and advertising solutions, including platforms like Astro pay-TV, , sooka OTT, Astro Fibre , and Astro Audio radio stations.
Notable achievements include 15 consecutive Platinum wins at the Putra Brand Awards in the Media & Networks category as of 2024, 16 awards at the 2024 for programming excellence, and recognition as Malaysia's most trusted news brand by for seven years running.
Astro maintained a monopoly as Malaysia's sole operator until 2017, when competitors like entered the market, prompting adaptations in strategy amid rising digital streaming .

History

Formation and government-granted monopoly (1990s–2000s)

MEASAT Broadcast Network Systems Sdn. Bhd., operating as Astro, was established on June 1, 1996, by Malaysian billionaire T. Ananda Krishnan through his holding company , as a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) pay-television provider. The company leveraged the newly launched MEASAT-1 satellite, Malaysia's first operationalized earlier that year, to deliver services across the country. Astro commenced operations on September 25, 1996, initially offering 22 television channels and several radio stations, targeting urban and rural households with direct-to-home (DTH) reception via parabolic antennas. In exchange for MEASAT's substantial investment in satellite infrastructure—estimated at hundreds of millions of ringgit—the granted Astro an exclusive 20-year license for DTH satellite pay-TV services, effective from its 1996 launch until 2017. This monopoly positioned Astro as the sole provider of satellite-based in , barring competition from alternative DTH operators and enabling rapid subscriber growth without market fragmentation. The arrangement reflected to promote national infrastructure development, with Astro required to achieve widespread coverage, including rural areas, in return for the protected status. During the late and , Astro expanded its channel lineup to over 100 by the mid-, incorporating local, regional, and international content while maintaining pricing control and bundling radio services. Subscriber numbers surged from initial thousands to millions, reaching approximately 3 million households by 2008, bolstered by the monopoly's insulation from rivals like cable or MMDS-based services such as MiTV, which entered in 2005 but operated on different technologies. This period solidified Astro's dominance, with revenues growing through mandatory set-top box leasing and exclusive content rights, though critics later argued the monopoly stifled innovation and kept prices elevated for consumers.

Expansion into diversified services (2000s–2010s)

During the 2000s, Astro expanded its radio operations through Sdn Bhd, adding new stations and digital enhancements to complement its core pay-TV business. In 2004, SINAR fm was launched as a nationwide retro hits station. This was followed in 2005 by the addition of THR fm to the family, targeting urban listeners with contemporary hits. By 2009, introduced 's first radio application, which won the Best Mobile Application award at the Innovation Awards, marking an early push into mobile digital audio services. In the early 2010s, Astro diversified into and IPTV to address growing demand for integrated connectivity and on-demand content. In December 2010, Astro partnered with TIME dotCom Berhad to roll out and IPTV services initially in the and regions. This culminated in the April 20, 2011, launch of Astro B.yond IPTV, offering subscribers high-definition channels, personal video recording, and video-on-demand features bundled with access. Radio expansions continued, with localized content for stations like ERA fm, MY fm, and hitz.fm introduced in and in November 2010, and MELODY fm launched in August 2012 for mature Chinese audiences featuring classic hits. A key initiative in was the launch of , Malaysia's first free-to-view service, developed in collaboration with the government to extend access beyond pay-TV subscribers. commenced operations on February 18, , providing a prepaid model with basic channels, building on pilot phases from late and achieving rapid adoption among lower-income households. Further radio innovations included the June debut of Arena Radio, Malaysia's inaugural digital Malay sports station, and extensions of local East Malaysian content on MY fm to 10 hours daily by November 2015. These moves positioned Astro as a multi-platform media provider amid rising competition from terrestrial and emerging digital alternatives.

Digital transformation and competitive pressures (2010s–present)

In the 2010s, Astro Malaysia faced intensifying competition from over-the-top (OTT) streaming services such as , which entered the Malaysian market in 2017, and local alternatives like , eroding traditional pay-TV dominance amid rising trends. To counter this, Astro launched Astro On The Go (AOTG), its mobile streaming app, in 2012, enabling subscribers to access live TV and on-demand content outside home setups. The service was rebranded as Astro GO in March 2017, introducing features like concurrent streaming on up to four devices, a library of over 48,000 titles including day-and-date releases from Hollywood, Korea, , and , and enhanced personalization via analytics-driven recommendations. Astro accelerated its infrastructure modernization in April 2017 through a partnership with (AWS), adopting a - and mobile-first strategy to digitalize at least 75% of its technology stack, applications, and processes by year-end, aiming to boost personalization, scalability, and operational efficiency. This effort earned Astro the Digital Transformer Award from IDC in 2017 for disruptive digital initiatives in . By 2019, Astro GO updates included a revamped interface for better and progressive rollout to all subscribers. In response to OTT threats, Astro forged strategic integrations, including a 2021 partnership with for bundled billing and seamless access on its platform, followed by deals with and HBO Max in packs like Astro One Entertainment starting at RM69.99 monthly. Despite these adaptations, competitive pressures persisted, with Astro's pay-TV subscribers declining amid preferences for cheaper, flexible streaming and illegal options. From a peak subscriber base supporting market leadership, Astro experienced structural erosion, contributing to revenue contraction of over 6% annually and profits falling to one-fifth of 2016 levels by the mid-2020s, alongside a 95% drop in from RM3.70 in 2014 to RM0.18. also collapsed due to digital shifts, exacerbating cost pressures. Recent quarters showed mixed signals, including a 70% profit plunge in Q2 FY26 from OTT rivalry and , though gross pay-TV additions ticked up and local content captured 79% of watch time in FY25, with upgrades to the Sooka streaming service targeting higher-quality APAC .

Ownership and Governance

Founding and key executives

MEASAT Broadcast Network Systems Sdn. Bhd., operating under the Astro brand, was established on June 1, 1996, by Malaysian billionaire to provide direct-to-home satellite services across . , through his private investment vehicle , initiated the venture by utilizing MEASAT satellites, which he had deployed earlier for and broadcasting capabilities, marking 's entry into commercial DTH broadcasting. The company received exclusive government approval to operate as the sole provider of encrypted satellite pay TV, enabling rapid subscriber growth from launch. Krishnan served as the controlling shareholder and guiding force behind Astro until his death on November 28, 2024, at age 86, with his retaining significant influence over strategic direction. Berhad, the listed parent entity, was incorporated in 2012 to consolidate operations, but the core broadcasting business traces directly to the 1996 founding. Current key executives include Group Chief Executive Officer Euan Daryl Smith, appointed in February 2023, overseeing overall operations amid digital shifts and competition. Group Chief Financial Officer Dr. Grace Lee Hwee Ling has held the role since January 2024, managing fiscal strategy and reporting. The board is chaired by Tunku Ali Redhauddin ibni Tuanku Muhriz, an independent non-executive director since 2022, providing governance oversight. Other senior leaders encompass Chief Sales and Marketing Officer Tai Kam Leong and Chief Technology Officer Mauro Di Pietro Paolo, focusing on commercial expansion and infrastructure.

Corporate structure and major shareholders

Astro Malaysia Holdings Berhad (AMH) operates as an investment holding company, overseeing a network of wholly-owned subsidiaries focused on media, broadcasting, and entertainment services in Malaysia and select international markets. Key subsidiaries include MEASAT Broadcast Network Systems Sdn Bhd, which manages core pay television operations; Astro Radio Sdn Bhd, handling radio broadcasting; Astro Entertainment Sdn Bhd and Astro Shaw Sdn Bhd, involved in content production and distribution; and Rocketfuel Entertainment Sdn Bhd, supporting digital and streaming initiatives. Additional entities such as Asia Sports Ventures Pte Ltd (Singapore) and Astro Media Solutions Limited (Hong Kong) extend operations regionally, while some affiliates, like Astro (Brunei) Sdn Bhd, are in voluntary winding-up as of early 2025. This structure centralizes strategic oversight at the parent level while delegating operational execution to specialized subsidiaries, aligning with regulatory requirements under Bursa Malaysia and the Malaysian Code on Corporate Governance 2021. Major shareholding in AMH is concentrated among a few substantial entities, reflecting significant influence from government-linked and private investment vehicles as of 21 April 2025, with total issued shares at 5,219,023,060. Pantai Cahaya Bulan Ventures Sdn Bhd holds 1,077,735,927 shares (20.65%), indirectly controlled by Berhad, Malaysia's . All Asia Media Equities Ltd owns 1,013,297,290 shares (19.42%), while Usaha Tegas Entertainment Systems Sdn Bhd maintains 235,778,182 direct shares (4.52%) plus indirect interest via All Asia Media Equities, totaling 23.94%. Broadcast Network Systems N.V. possesses 421,939,707 shares (8.09%). The top 30 shareholders collectively control 83.00% of shares, with comprising 22% of the free float as of 31 January 2025, up from prior years.
ShareholderDirect/Indirect SharesTotal SharesPercentage (%)
Pantai Cahaya Bulan Ventures Sdn Bhd (indirectly Berhad)Indirect: 1,077,735,9271,077,735,92720.65
All Asia Media Equities LtdDirect: 1,013,297,2901,013,297,29019.42
Usaha Tegas Entertainment Systems Sdn BhdDirect: 235,778,182; Indirect: 1,013,297,2901,249,075,47223.94
East Asia Broadcast Network Systems N.V.Direct: 421,939,707421,939,7078.09
Directors' holdings remain minimal, with Renzo Christopher Viegas owning 800,000 shares (0.02%) and Lim Ghee Keong holding 1,000,000 shares (0.02%) as of the latest disclosure. The Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP), active until 2030, has 106,137,264 outstanding shares as of 31 January 2025, with allocated 45.79% of these. This ownership concentration supports stable governance but ties AMH's strategic direction to decisions by Khazanah and Usaha Tegas-linked entities, which have historical roots in the company's founding through MEASAT and related ventures.

Regulatory oversight and compliance

Astro, operating as MEASAT Broadcast Network Systems Sdn Bhd, is primarily regulated by the under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA), which governs its broadcasting, content provision, and related services. The company holds multiple classes of licenses, including Content Applications Service Provider (CASP) for and radio, as well as licenses for delivery, enabling its direct-to-home (DTH) operations. These licenses impose obligations on content standards, technical compliance, and adherence to national broadcasting guidelines, with MCMC conducting periodic audits and enforcement actions for violations. Astro's board of directors maintains oversight of the company's compliance function, monitoring adherence to internal policies, legal requirements, and regulatory mandates as outlined in its 2025 . The firm has faced enforcement for content-related breaches; in July 2020, MCMC compounded Astro RM10,000 for airing an Al Jazeera documentary deemed to violate licensing conditions under Section 206 of the CMA, following a 2015 investigation. More recently, in March 2025, MCMC issued a notice of intent to suspend the license of Astro subsidiary Era FM after a video by station announcers mocked the kavadi ritual, prompting public outrage and police reports; Astro suspended the involved staff, enhanced content review processes, and committed to full cooperation with the probe. Beyond content incidents, Astro complies with MCMC's broader framework on electronic messaging and platform operations, though it has not been directly implicated in recent licensing mandates introduced in 2024–2025 for enhanced user safety and oversight. The company also enforces its own against , securing court awards such as RM75,000 in statutory damages in November 2024 for unauthorized streaming of its premium content. License renewals occur under CMA Section 34, with Astro maintaining operational continuity amid MCMC's assessments of and market competition.

Products and Services

Core pay television platforms

Astro's core services rely on direct-to-home (DTH) , delivered via the MEASAT network, including MEASAT-3b and MEASAT-3d at the 91.5°E orbital position. This infrastructure uses 8PSK modulation with symbol rates up to 30,000 for high-efficiency digital transmission, enabling reliable signal delivery across regardless of weather conditions. The platform supports a broad array of channels encompassing local Malaysian programming, international news, movies, dramas, and live sports, with approximately 183 total channels available, of which 54 are in high definition (HD). Access requires compatible set-top boxes, such as the Astro Ultra Box or Ulti Box, which provide 4K UHD resolution, Dolby Atmos audio, and features like multiroom viewing for expanded household use. In response to market demands for flexibility, Astro launched the Astro One packages in December 2024, including the Entertainment Pack at RM49.99 monthly with over 95 channels focused on premium series, blockbusters, and family content, and the Sports Pack at RM99.99 featuring 120+ channels with extensive live events coverage. These offerings integrate satellite delivery with complementary streaming via the Astro GO app, allowing live and on-demand access on multiple devices while maintaining the DTH core for primary broadcast.

Broadband and connectivity offerings

Astro provides broadband internet via its Astro Fibre service, a fibre-optic platform delivering download speeds from 100 Mbps to 800 Mbps, with upload speeds typically half of the download tier. Launched initially as a bundled offering in March 2022 and expanded to standalone plans in May 2022, Astro Fibre positions the company as a full in , leveraging existing national fibre infrastructure for deployment. The service emphasizes bundled packages integrating with Astro's content, granting access to 95 or more channels, plus streaming apps like , , and Viu, depending on the selected entertainment, sports, or premium pack. Standalone options exclude content bundles but include a free router for enhanced device connectivity and support for up to 4K UHD streaming on 500 Mbps and higher plans. Mesh WiFi extenders are available as add-ons to eliminate dead zones and improve whole-home coverage, while the Astro Fibre app enables users to monitor network performance, manage connected devices, and troubleshoot issues remotely. Pricing varies by speed and bundling, with promotional fixed rates for 24 months; higher tiers offer "kencang guaranteed" speeds under fair usage policies.
Speed TierStandalone Price (RM/month)Bundled Example (with Entertainment Pack, RM/month)
100 Mbps79128.99
500 Mbps90139.99
800 Mbps189Varies by pack (e.g., 200+ for sports/premium)
Coverage spans urban, suburban, and select rural areas where fibre backhaul is available, often sharing infrastructure with partners like TM, with expansion aligned to Malaysia's JENDELA digital connectivity program; users verify eligibility via postcode checks on Astro's platform. Business-grade connectivity is offered separately, including dedicated fibre for enterprises with customizable speeds and support for high-demand applications.

Digital and streaming solutions

Astro provides digital streaming solutions primarily through its Astro GO app and sooka OTT platform, alongside integrations with third-party services. Astro GO serves as a free companion application for pay-TV subscribers, enabling access to over 100 live channels, 110,000 hours of video-on-demand content including , series, and live on smartphones, tablets, and computers. The app supports offline downloads and is available across major platforms like Android and , with features such as ad- live to enhance user engagement. sooka, Astro's homegrown over-the-top (OTT) service, targets millennial and younger demographics with subscription-based access to original content, live events, and catch-up TV. As of September 2025, sooka reported a nearly 50% year-over-year increase in its VIP paying subscriber base, reflecting growth amid competitive pressures from global streamers. The platform emphasizes local Malaysian programming while aggregating international titles, positioning it as a hybrid offering between traditional broadcast and pure digital delivery. To broaden appeal, Astro bundles access to global OTT providers like , , Viu, , and within its TV packages and hybrid devices such as the 4K UHD Ultra and HD Ulti Boxes, which support seamless switching between satellite TV and IP streaming for over one million households. In January 2025, Astro expanded its digital portfolio by launching free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels across OTT, connected IP boxes, and direct-to-home platforms, utilizing server-side ad insertion technology to deliver targeted, no-cost content options. These initiatives aim to retain subscribers amid the rise of standalone streaming alternatives, though adoption metrics remain tied to Astro's core pay-TV ecosystem.

Financial Performance

Historical revenue and profitability

Astro Malaysia Holdings Berhad reported steady revenue growth in the years following its 2012 on , driven by expansion in pay-TV subscribers and content offerings. By the ended January 31, 2015 (FY2015), revenue had increased 9% year-over-year to RM5.2 billion. Profitability remained robust during this period, with net profit for the ended January 31, 2014 (FY2014) reaching RM448 million, supported by higher and operational efficiencies. Revenue peaked in the mid-2010s before facing downward pressure from the rise of over-the-top streaming services, subscriber churn, and digital disruption, leading to a contraction of over 40% by the early 2020s. The table below summarizes key financial metrics for select fiscal years (all figures in millions of MYR, fiscal year ending January 31):
Fiscal YearRevenueNet Income
20155,200N/A
20223,617259
20233,34337
20243,076129
20252,90287
Net profit margins eroded amid rising content costs and competitive investments, dropping from double-digit percentages in the early post-IPO era to low single digits in recent years (e.g., 3.01% for FY2025). Despite occasional recoveries, such as the uptick in FY2024 , overall profitability has been challenged by structural shifts in media consumption, with FY2023 marking the lowest net profit since listing at RM37 million. In fiscal year 2025 (ended January 31, 2025), Astro Malaysia Holdings Berhad reported revenue of RM3.08 billion, marking an 8% decline from RM3.34 billion in fiscal year 2024 and the eighth consecutive annual revenue decrease. This contraction was driven primarily by erosion in pay-TV subscribers, with the company citing intensified competition from over-the-top (OTT) streaming platforms and a shift in consumer preferences toward digital alternatives. Despite the revenue drop, net profit rose sharply to RM129.1 million, a 205% increase from RM36.88 million in fiscal year 2024, aided by cost reductions, lower tax expenses, and favorable financing costs, though the prior year's profit had been unusually low due to one-off impairments and operational pressures. Key challenges persisted into early fiscal year 2026, including ongoing subscriber churn and a 21% year-over-year decline in expenditure (adex) across segments, with radio dropping 59%. Quarterly for the period ended October 31, 2024, fell 13.2% year-over-year, reflecting broader macroeconomic headwinds and subdued in . Additionally, a April 2025 tax settlement imposed additional liabilities of RM114.9 million, prompting recognition of adjustments and straining cash flows, despite some relief from extended production cost deductions. Analysts forecast continued erosion at 3.3% annually and earnings declines of 39.1% per annum, underscoring structural vulnerabilities in Astro's legacy pay-TV model amid rising OTT penetration.

Investments and capital allocation

Astro Malaysia Holdings Berhad's capital allocation strategy emphasizes generating strong while directing investments toward and content production to offset declines in traditional pay-TV subscribers. In FY25, the company produced RM509 million in , representing a 44% yield, which supported reinvestments in growth areas amid an 8% reduction in overall costs through legacy expense cuts such as employee and satellite retirements. Capital expenditures in FY25 totaled RM274 million, a 11% decrease from FY24, reflecting disciplined spending at approximately 9% of . This included RM138 million in capex (down 10%) focused on upgrades for over-the-top (OTT) platforms, video-on-demand (VOD), and services like Astro Fibre, alongside RM136 million in box capex (down 12%) for set-top boxes (STBs) and (CPEs). In the first half of FY26, cash capex remained low at RM53 million (3% of ), with plans to accelerate for /experience (UI/UX) enhancements and refreshes, while utilizing vendor financing of RM393 million for equipment. Content investments rose to RM379 million in FY25, up from RM308 million two years prior, funding over 10,900 hours of and initiatives like the launch of Astro Studios with (XR) technology. No major acquisitions occurred; instead, capital was allocated to organic growth in adjacent businesses, including sooka streaming (which doubled its VIP paying base) and partnerships for sports rights such as the through 2027/28. To preserve liquidity during this transition, Astro declared no dividends in FY25, a departure from prior years (e.g., 0.25 sen in FY24), prioritizing balance sheet strengthening with net debt-to-EBITDA at 2.9x and total borrowings of RM2.77 billion as of mid-FY26. Debt repayments and vendor financing have supported ongoing operations without new equity issuances, aligning with a cash flow-driven approach amid competitive pressures from OTT rivals.

Market Position and Competition

Dominance in Malaysian pay TV market

Astro Malaysia Holdings Berhad launched on September 25, 1996, as the nation's inaugural direct-to-home satellite pay television provider, rapidly establishing market leadership through a government-granted exclusive license that lasted approximately 20 years until 2016. This initial monopoly enabled unhindered infrastructure rollout via MEASAT satellites, fostering subscriber growth without satellite-based rivals and achieving widespread adoption amid limited free-to-air alternatives. By the mid-2000s, Astro's model of bundling local and international channels solidified its position, with early competitors like MiTV Broadband (launched in 2005 as a cable operator) and U Television unable to erode its core dominance in direct broadcast satellite services. Subscriber expansion accelerated post-launch, reaching over 3.6 million pay-TV users by January 2016, equivalent to 67% of Malaysian TV households at the time. This penetration reflected Astro's control over premium content distribution, including and , which drew households beyond urban centers. Historical data indicate peak household coverage exceeding 70% by the early , underscoring a near-oligopolistic hold where Astro accounted for the bulk of pay-TV revenue and viewership in a market then valued at under RM2 billion annually. As of the second quarter of 2026 (ended July 31, 2025), Astro maintained a TV customer base of 5.288 million, penetrating 64% of Malaysia's approximately 8.19 million TV households—a slight dip from prior years' 71% but still indicative of commanding scale amid total pay-TV penetration hovering below 70%. No competitor has matched this ; for instance, Telekom Malaysia's HyppTV and collectively serve under 1 million households, leaving Astro with an estimated 80-90% share of active pay-TV subscriptions based on industry analyses. This enduring lead stems from entrenched satellite infrastructure covering 100% of the and , versus rivals' or IPTV limitations in rural areas. Astro's dominance has persisted despite regulatory shifts post-2017, including mandated content sharing and competitor entry, as its (ARPU) of around RM99-100 supports sustained investment in capacity, outpacing fragmented alternatives. Market reports affirm Astro's role as the for Malaysian pay TV, with household churn rates below 10% annually in stable periods, reinforcing via scale economies and programs.

Emergence of OTT competitors

The entry of over-the-top (OTT) streaming services into the Malaysian market intensified competition for Astro's traditional pay TV dominance starting in the mid-2010s, as improved broadband infrastructure enabled on-demand video consumption. Netflix, one of the earliest major entrants, officially launched in Malaysia in January 2012, initially targeting urban households with affordable subscriptions starting at RM36 per month, offering vast libraries of international content unavailable on linear TV. This was followed by platforms like HBO GO (2010s availability) and Amazon Prime Video (2016 regional expansion), which capitalized on global hits and original productions to attract younger demographics seeking flexibility over scheduled broadcasting. By the late 2010s and early 2020s, the proliferation accelerated with Disney+ Hotstar's launch in November 2021, bundling , Marvel, and content for RM54.90 monthly, directly challenging Astro's exclusive sports and movie rights. These services disrupted Astro's model by offering lower entry barriers—no long-term contracts or set-top boxes required—and ad-free, bingeable experiences, leading to trends where households opted for multiple cheaper OTT subscriptions over bundled pay TV packages. Regional pay TV penetration in , including , declined from 66.6% in 2023 to a projected 60.6% by 2028, reflecting this shift. Astro experienced tangible subscriber erosion, with pay TV customer losses narrowing but persisting amid OTT gains; for instance, gross additions rose 17% year-over-year in Q1 FY2026, yet net losses continued due to churn from streaming alternatives. Analysts attributed Astro's revenue contraction at 6.2% annually from 2016 to 2025 partly to this competition, as OTT platforms captured audience share through polished interfaces and exclusive global franchises, eroding Astro's 74% household penetration in traditional . further exacerbated the pressure, with illegal streams of Astro content competing alongside legitimate OTT options. Despite Astro's strengths in local and live content, the emergence of these agile, internet-native rivals forced a reevaluation of its linear-centric strategy.

Strategic responses and adaptations

In response to intensifying competition from over-the-top (OTT) platforms such as Netflix and Disney+, Astro Malaysia Holdings Berhad has positioned itself as a content aggregator by integrating third-party streaming services into its ecosystem. On June 24, 2025, Astro announced a strategic partnership with Netflix, enabling subscribers to access the service directly through Astro's set-top boxes and platforms, marking Netflix as the first to integrate with the company's high-end Ultrabox device. Similarly, starting September 2, 2025, the Astro One Entertainment Pack bundled Disney+ Hotstar and HBO Max for as low as RM69.99 per month, targeting both new and existing customers to consolidate multiple subscriptions under one billing and interface. This aggregator model aims to reduce subscriber churn by offering seamless access to global content alongside Astro's traditional pay-TV channels, with additional integrations like iQiyi and TVBAnywhere+ rolled out by November 2024. Astro has also invested in upgrading its proprietary streaming platform, Sooka, to compete on quality and accessibility. In May 2025, Sooka received a technological overhaul powered by Irdeto's streaming solutions, enhancing user experience through better data insights and anti-piracy measures. The platform expanded with (FAST) channels in partnership with , featuring local content, live sports, and curated global titles to attract cord-cutters without additional fees. Complementing this, Astro introduced the Ultrabox in 2025, a next-generation device supporting 4K streaming and app integrations, with slated for full rollout by year-end following Netflix's debut. These enhancements reflect a pivot toward a hybrid model blending delivery with IP-based streaming, as evidenced by quarterly reports showing upticks in pay-TV customer additions via Astro One packs and Sooka in Q2 FY26. To bolster retention amid trends, Astro emphasized local content production, which accounted for 79% of total watch time in the 12 months ending January 2025, positioning homegrown series as competitive alternatives to international OTT fare. Pricing strategies were adjusted accordingly, with promotional bundles and value packs introduced from June 2025 to June 30, 2025, aiming to stabilize the video subscriber base through perceived better value propositions. Despite these adaptations, analysts note ongoing pressures from structural shifts, with Astro's efforts focused on long-term stabilization rather than immediate reversal of subscriber losses.

Controversies and Criticisms

Monopoly practices and pricing concerns

Astro Malaysia Holdings Berhad was granted a 20-year monopoly on satellite pay-TV services by the Malaysian upon its launch in 1996, enabling it to establish dominance in the market with minimal initial . This position allowed Astro to function as a price maker, setting subscription rates without the downward pressure of rivals, which critics have argued resulted in elevated costs for consumers relative to service quality. Consumer complaints have frequently centered on abrupt price hikes and opaque billing practices, exemplified by a reported increase from RM56.20 to RM65 monthly in August 2023 without prior notification or added value justification. In response to widespread grievances—including billing disputes, weather-related service outages, restricted package options, and content limitations—the imposed regulatory curbs on Astro in April 2008, mandating improvements in and transparency. By 2011, with subscriber households exceeding 3 million, commentators contended that Astro's scale should have enabled price reductions to reflect operational efficiencies, yet fees remained high amid perceptions of viewer exploitation. Pricing strategies have also drawn scrutiny for bundling channels into inflexible packages, limiting consumer choice for selections and effectively subsidizing less-desired content through uniform rates, a practice sustained by Astro's historical market control. Although over-the-top streaming services have eroded Astro's subscriber base since the monopoly's expiration around , residual dominance in traditional pay-TV has perpetuated concerns over sustained high , with monthly fees often criticized as disproportionate to intermittent service reliability issues like signal disruptions. Regulatory bodies have not pursued recent antitrust actions specifically against Astro's , but ongoing consumer advocacy highlights the need for greater to mitigate these practices.

Content acquisition disputes

Astro Malaysia Holdings Berhad, through its subsidiaries including , has been involved in several high-profile international arbitrations and regulatory disputes stemming from joint ventures and investments aimed at expanding content distribution and acquisition capabilities in markets. In 2012, an arbitration tribunal in awarded Astro approximately US$250 million against Indonesia's entities in a dispute over a for PT First Media TBK, a major Indonesian operator focused on content aggregation and ; Astro alleged breaches including inadequate funding that diluted its equity stake and control over content operations, leading to protracted enforcement proceedings in and courts. In parallel, Astro initiated investor-state arbitration against in 2016 under the Netherlands-India bilateral investment treaty, claiming expropriation and denial of fair treatment due to a government investigation into alleged linked to the 2G scandal; the probe targeted Astro's 2010 investment of approximately US$100 million in TV, a direct-to-home platform reliant on licenses for content delivery, which Astro argued disrupted its acquisition and operational control. The case, handled by ICSID (PCA Case No. 2016-24/25), resulted in a consent award in October 2018, with terms undisclosed but reflecting a resolution amid ongoing criminal proceedings in that Astro maintained were politically motivated and lacked evidence. Regulatory scrutiny over content-related practices has also arisen, notably in where the Commission for the Supervision of Business Competition (KPPU) in 2008 found Astro subsidiaries, including All Asia Multimedia Networks, and ESPN Star liable for violations in pay TV content licensing and bundling, imposing fines and ordering remedial actions; Astro appealed the decision, contending it unfairly targeted standard commercial negotiations for sports and rights acquisition. These cases highlight tensions in Astro's regional strategy for securing exclusive content portfolios, often involving complex cross-border agreements vulnerable to jurisdictional challenges and allegations of overreach in market control.

Service quality and customer relations issues

Astro has faced recurrent service disruptions due to satellite anomalies, notably an outage on June 24, 2025, affecting operations on MEASAT satellites, which was resolved after overhaul work by the (MCMC). Similar issues occurred in June 2021, stemming from a anomaly that disrupted TV broadcasts for multiple days, limiting service to partial channel recovery. These incidents have led to widespread customer frustration, with reports of "Service Currently Not Available" (SCNA) errors on HD-enabled boxes requiring manual signal refreshes, often persisting beyond initial troubleshooting. Customer complaints frequently highlight billing irregularities, including unannounced price hikes; for instance, subscribers reported bills increasing from RM56.20 to RM65 in August 2023 without prior notification or justification. In 2016, the Communications and Multimedia Ministry investigated allegations of hidden charges imposed on subscribers, reflecting ongoing concerns over transparent pricing. Termination processes have also drawn criticism, with cases of persistent billing demands for alleged outstanding amounts—such as RM350—years after service cessation, complicating account closures. Data privacy lapses have strained relations, exemplified by a 2018 breach where personal details of Astro IPTV customers were leaked and offered for sale online, marking a repeat incident from earlier that year. A analysis of customer feedback revealed systemic issues, including repetitive programming and inadequate support responsiveness, contributing to dissatisfaction with overall service reliability. Astro's infrastructure, including its system, has been described as inefficient, exacerbating resolution times for technical and account queries.

Achievements and Impact

Content production and exclusive rights

Astro has invested significantly in original content production, creating a range of locally produced television series, films, and digital programs tailored to Malaysian audiences. Notable Astro Originals include drama series such as I.D., Framed!, X-Change, First Wives, and Projek: Exit, which premiered in 2024 and emphasize themes of mystery, family dynamics, and social issues. Additional premium originals encompass educational and thriller formats like Projek: Anchor SPM, Kudeta, and Histeria, alongside Chinese-language series such as The Patient, contributing to a growing library of homegrown narratives. Through subsidiaries like Astro Studios, the company provides production services for feature films, scripted series, television commercials, and documentaries, supporting over 100,000 video-on-demand titles that blend exclusive originals with broader entertainment. In terms of exclusive rights, Astro holds broadcasting agreements for major sports events, securing live coverage of all Liga Super and Piala Malaysia matches, as well as regional tournaments like the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2022. The company extended its exclusive rights in through the 2027-28 season, enabling comprehensive English top-flight football broadcasts starting from 2025-26. These rights extend to other live sports such as BWF Tournaments and League events, packaged in offerings like the Sports Pack, which underscores Astro's role in delivering premium athletic content to subscribers. These efforts in and rights acquisition have garnered industry recognition, with Astro securing nine awards at the 2024 ContentAsia Awards across categories highlighting excellence in and regional leadership. The company's focus on local storytelling and high-profile exclusives has positioned it as Malaysia's largest content creator, fostering audience engagement through culturally resonant productions and unmissable live events.

Technological innovations

Astro introduced 4K Ultra High Definition (UHD) broadcasting in on August 13, 2018, marking the first such service in the country, with initial live transmissions of matches including vs. and vs. Manchester City. The technology delivered four times the clarity of standard HD, enhanced color vibrancy, and sharper details, supported by compatible and QLED televisions at select viewing outlets. A dedicated 4K UHD set-top box followed later that year, alongside plans for progressive rollout of specialized channels and software upgrades. In November 2019, Astro expanded its UHD capabilities through the Astro Ultra platform, featuring the slim Ultra Box set-top device with hybrid satellite-internet connectivity and a next-generation . This included cloud-based recording allowing unlimited concurrent program captures stored in Astro Cloud—offering 200 free HD hours expandable to 1,500 hours for an additional RM15 monthly fee—and multi-device accessibility across screens. The updated enabled seamless content discovery for over 50,000 shows via Astro GO and Ultra Box, incorporating play-from-start functionality, advanced search by title, cast, or channel, and free upgrades for subscriptions exceeding RM100 monthly. UHD content encompassed major events like qualifiers, , Formula 1, , films, and documentaries. Astro pioneered addressable television advertising in Southeast Asia, debuting the service in December 2021 in partnership with Synamedia's Iris platform, enabling distinct ads to be served to individual households during the same program based on first-party audience data. Video-on-demand addressable ads launched across Astro GO and Ultra/Ulti Boxes in November 2021, with linear TV integration following progressively on set-top boxes. This data-driven targeting, the first of its kind regionally, leveraged Astro's content ecosystem for precise household-level personalization without disrupting broadcast flow. Full rollout occurred by June 2022, enhancing ad revenue through digital-style precision on traditional TV. In May 2024, Astro transitioned its broadcast to cloud infrastructure using 's CLOUDPORT platform and (AWS), implementing the first large-scale cloud-based solution among Malaysian broadcasters. Initial channels and disaster recovery services went live that month, incorporating Amagi MONITORING for operational oversight, which improved media workflow optimization, business agility, service resilience, and mitigation of legacy system risks. Astro launched (FAST) channels in January 2025, adding 15 channels to its sooka over-the-top platform and five to the direct-to-home service, such as Filem Mantap and Drama Hebat. The deployment utilized MediaTailor for server-side ad insertion, channel assembly, and automation, integrated with MediaConvert for encoding, MediaConnect for transport, CloudFront for delivery, and Direct Connect for connectivity. This enabled cost-efficient, scalable channel launches with on sooka, reduced environmental impact via cloud efficiency, and potential for regional expansion.

Awards and industry recognition

Astro has garnered recognition across broadcasting innovation, content excellence, and corporate sustainability. In May 2025, at the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting+ Awards held in Hong Kong, the company secured two honors: one for its "Cloud-Playout Migration – Malaysia" project, acknowledging advancements in broadcast technology infrastructure, and another for "Audio Description – Malaysia" by Astro Studios, highlighting accessibility enhancements for visually impaired audiences. Earlier, in 2024, Astro claimed six awards at the same Asia-Pacific Broadcasting+ Awards, spanning categories like service excellence and technical achievements. In content production, Astro dominated the , winning 16 accolades at the Malaysian national level in 2024 across drama, news, and general entertainment categories, placing fifth overall regionally; this success repeated in 2025 with another 16 wins, including Best General Entertainment Programme for Gegar Vaganza 11 and Best Music or Dance Programme for Big Stage Alpha. At the 2024 ContentAsia Awards, Astro received nine awards, including gold for its Innovathon initiative, reinforcing its regional leadership in and digital innovation. For branding and corporate standing, Astro earned gold in the Media Networks category at the Putra Brand Awards for 15 consecutive years through 2024, reflecting sustained consumer preference in Malaysia's media sector. In 2024, it was named "Top Media Network of All Time" at Award Season 3, and in 2025, it received a in the Telecommunications & Media category at ESG Awards for practices. , a , has also been honored, such as with the MCMC Star Rating for Best in Consumer Satisfaction for Radio in 2021.

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